Integrative Lifestyles - Jan. 2016 by Integrative Lifestyles

Alleviating THE PAIN OF ARTHRITIS

CANCER & HEART DISEASE—

one simple cure? Boost Your BRAIN POWER!

CANCER,

CURCUMIN, and the power of the

PATIENT

An interview with leading Baylor University researcher Dr. Ajay Goel.

THE HERBAL CURE-ALL:

Curcumin

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 0116

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EDITOR'S CORNER

IN THIS ISSUE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jaye McDonald DESIGN/ART DIRECTOR

Roberta Jones DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Amy Medina ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Stan Daniels Leigh Day

HEALTH MAKEOVER

Go Fish!

Boost your brain power with omega-3s. 10

Fighting Chronic Inflammation

What it is, how it can undermine good health, and how you can extinguish this internal fire.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. Robert Thompson Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum Dr. Gaetano Morello Perla Björk Egilsdóttir Dr. Mathias Schmidt COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

12 An

Interview with Dr. Ajay Goel

Dr. Goel shares new findings on curcumin’s role in the fight against cancer.

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urcumin: The Herbal C Cure-All

The secret behind curcumin’s effectiveness and how it can benefit you.

PUBLISHER

Mukoy Publishing

EXPERT CORNER

Heart Disease & Cancer Discover how grape seed extract can lower your risk.

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Published quarterly by Mukoy Publishing, 1950 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 103-63, Las Vegas, NV 89146. ©Mukoy Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by the contributors to Integrative Lifestyles are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. The information in this publication is solely for educational purposes under Section 5 of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 and is not intended as medical advice.

ASK THE DOCTOR

Bothered by Your Bladder? Herbal help for occasional urinary incontinence. 26

This issue focuses on the benefits of curcumin as a therapeutic herb. We’re privileged to feature an interview with Baylor University’s own Dr. Ajay Goel on effective ways to prevent cancer with curcumin and become a more empowered patient. Plus, on page 16 we’re providing even more on what may well be the most powerful supplement on the planet. We’re also featuring a couple of articles on cardiovascular disease. Check out pages 8 and 20 to discover how two little-known nutrients can promote healthy arteries and overall cardiovascular wellness. Inflammation is often a culprit in chronic health conditions. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, renowned integrative physician, discusses the risk factors for chronic inflammation and how to quench it naturally on page 10. We also put a spotlight on natural remedies for pain relief that you’ll want to read—and share. So turn the page and discover the most reader-friendly integrative health magazine around. If you like what you’re reading, I’d love to hear it. Drop me a line at editorial@goodhealthlifestylesmag.com.

oothe Away Your S Arthritis Pain

Yours in health and happiness,

Research Roundup

Jaye McDonald Editor-in-Chief

How comfrey cream eases pain and stiffness. 28

Welcome to Integrative Lifestyles. We hope our publication becomes a regular read for you, your staff, and your patients. Our goal is to provide a magazine that can help you keep up to date about the latest cutting edge discoveries in integrative medicine and offer articles that are scientifically valid and easy to understand. The medical professionals who partner with us are respected in their fields and provide a wide range of perspectives on natural medicine. We want our magazine to become your magazine, and that you proudly share it with your patients and colleagues.

Jaye

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Go Fish!

Boost your brain power with omega-3s Mom was right . . . fish really is “brain food.” An increasing number of studies show that adding fish to the menu two to three time a week can enhance memory, improve the way your brain functions, and even soothe your mood. The secret to these brainy benefits are two omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cellular Smarts EPA and DHA work on a number of fronts to boost your brain power. Found primarily in fatty fish like salmon, anchovies,

Tips for a

BEAUTIFUL MIND:

sardines, mackerel, herring, trout, and tuna, these essential fatty acids are critical for building brain cells. They also quell inflammation that can negatively impact the hormones and neurotransmitters in your brain. DHA is especially important since it increases phosphatidylserine, a specific phospholipid that makes up part of the brain cell’s membrane. Clinical trials have shown that phosphatidylserine improves concentration, word recall, mood, learning, and memory in middle-aged and elderly individuals with age-related cognitive decline. DHA also plays an important role in reducing the inflammation and oxidative damage that affect memory and cognition. In one study, investigators gathered childhood IQ data for seniors who were tested in 1947 and tested again in 2000 and 2001. They evaluated the participants’ diet, supplement use, and current plasma levels of omega-3s. Those who took omega-3 supplements had better cognitive function than those who did not. According to the researchers, the

Play some brain games: Logging on to computerized brain games or simply playing Sudoku or chess may improve brain function. Mayo Clinic researchers recently reported that healthy seniors who trained their brains were able to improve their auditory information processing speed by about 58 percent (versus 7 percent in controls).

omega-3s helped to preserve cognitive thinking and mental processing by reducing inflammation in the brain.

DHA. Of more concern, some manufacturers also use harsh chemical solvents during processing.

Fortunately, the French have come up with a safe and more Concerned that those “senior moments” are an early indication effective process. In 2001, the French government challenged of Alzheimer’s disease? Omega-3s may also have a protective researchers to find new ways to harness the benefits of its effect against the ravages of the disease. That’s because marine resources. That governmentDHA helps guard against the sponsored research project gave accumulation of tau, a protein birth to a new manufacturing involved in the development of The Renewing Brain process known as vectorization. “tangles” of neurons that shortScientists long thought that neurons—the This patented process uses natural circuit memory and healthy nerve cells responsible for firing signals in enzymes, rather than solvents or cognitive processes. It also decreases the brain—could only be lost with age, not heat, to extract omega-3s from fish. beta-amyloid plaques by boosting regenerated. But recent studies suggest that What’s more, vectorization is the another protein in the brain that new neurons can be created deep within only extraction method that retains destroys these lesions. the brain. Once reborn, they move to areas the natural phospholipids and associated with higher mental functions like peptides from the fish and ensures EPA may offer some protection, decision making. But to accomplish this, the delivery of DHA and EPA to the too. One French study of more than neurons need to be nourished with omega-3s. body’s cells— especially those in the 1,200 seniors found that those with brain—in far greater amounts than the highest blood levels of EPA had conventional fish oil supplements. a 31 percent lower incidence of dementia. This may be due to EPA’s Vectorization also leaves the molecular structure of the anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory actions, which promote a omega-3s intact. DHA and EPA in marine oils are naturally healthy blood supply to the brain and lower inflammation. located in the center of the triglycerol molecule, a position known as the sn-2 carbon position. DHA and EPA in this Mood Modulator position are more stable, less prone to oxidation, and far Emerging research also suggests that omega-3s may play an better absorbed. Conventional fish oil extraction reduces important role in your mental well-being. Clinical trials have the natural benefit found in unrefined omega-3s because it observed a marked improvement in people with depression changes the carbon position of the omega-3s. Additionally, given DHA and EPA. During one of these trials, 69 percent of vectorized omega-3s retain five key marine phospholipids— depressed patients who had not been helped by Prozac showed phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, improvement after 12 weeks of omega-3 supplementation. phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and sphingomyelin— There is also mounting evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may that enhance communication between neurons and provide help manage bipolar disorder. Some trials show a 50 percent structural support to the brain’s cells. Another benefit of decline in episodes of mania or depression in patients with vectorized omega-3s? Intact peptides and amino acids that bipolar disorder taking an omega-3 supplement. fight oxidative damage in the brain and protect its delicate blood vessels. Supplement Intelligently What if you’re not a fish fan? How can you make sure your Vectorization creates a synergistic blend of naturally occurring brain is getting all of the omega-3s it needs? Opt for a daily DHA and EPA harvested exclusively from Atlantic salmon with fish oil supplement. Just be aware that fish-derived omega-3 all of the natural phospholipids, peptides, and antioxidants. supplements aren’t all the same, starting with the type of fish Plus, a vectorized omega-3 supplement is easy to take. oil they contain. While salmon is one of the best sources of high Instead of gulping down several large oil-filled capsules, the quality omega-3s, most supplements rely on less potent sardines supplements are highly concentrated so you only need to take and anchovies. This is usually accomplished by heating and one easy-to-swallow tablet (yes, tablet!) per day. It’s a better way pressing the fish. Once every last drop of oil has been extracted, to get all the brain-enhancing benefits of fish. No rancidity, no it is purified, bleached, and deodorized. While this may create fishy burps, no problem! a more palatable supplement, it also damages the EPA and

Relax your brain: Studies show that chronic stress can damage brain structure and connectivity. But mindful meditation or even just daydreaming tames stress and allows your brain a little constructive downtime.

Get moving: In a study done at the University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular aerobic exercise—the kind that gets your heart pumping—appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning.

Eat smart: A healthy, whole-foods diet packed with antioxidants halts brain-damaging inflammation and oxidation. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry also found that a diet featuring vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, and whole grains lowered the odds of 9 depression and anxiety disorders.

Fighting Chronic Inflammation Extinguishing the threat of inflammation by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD Cancer. Heart disease. Alzheimer’s disease. Asthma. Depression. Irritable bowel syndrome. Arthritis. All of these diseases have one thing in common: chronic inflammation. How can so many different diseases be linked to one factor? Let’s take a look. Chronic inflammation is the byproduct of an immune system that’s out of control. Normally, when your body has an injury or infection, the inflammatory process rapidly acts to defend against foreign invaders and repair any damage that’s been done. This is known as acute inflammation. You can recognize acute inflammation by looking for these classic signs: pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. It’s what causes your ankle to swell after a sprain or your throat to hurt when you have a cold. Behind the scenes, your body’s defense system is quickly activating. Chemicals are released signaling that an injury or invasion has occurred. Blood flow increases to the

Growing old. As we age, our bodies start deteriorating, causing our immune system to release more inflammatory chemicals.

injured area. Blood vessels in the area become more permeable, allowing white blood cells, like neutrophils and macrophages, to reach injured areas. They, along with platelets, proteins, and enzymes, neutralize harmful bacteria and damaged cells, digest dead cells and foreign material, and repair the injury. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, occurs when the immune system goes overboard fighting a perceived threat and never turns off. This type of inflammation is a less obvious slow burn— you may not even notice it. But the havoc it wreaks on your body can be severe and progressive, threatening your physical—and even mental—health. Research on chronic inflammation has exploded in the past decade or so, and we are finally starting to understand all the implications. As a result, many researchers believe that low-level, systemic inflammation may be the catalyst for most chronic diseases. A Body Ablaze Scientists don’t fully understand how chronic inflammation starts or how it leads to disease, but they have been able to identify some risk factors:

Our toxic environment. We may be inhaling inflammatory particles with every breath we take. Multiple studies have found that air pollution can cause inflammation in the lungs and cardiovascular system, exacerbating or causing chronic conditions such as asthma or pulmonary hypertension.

Being overweight. Distressed fat tissues call for help by leaking inflammatory chemicals into the body. The more fat, the more leakage. Consequently, one of the best ways to fight chronic inflammation is to lose weight.

The standard American diet. A diet full of processed foods, refined grains, sugars, and unhealthy fats puts major stress on our digestive systems and provides empty calories that are easily stored as fat. These foods also play a direct role in increasing systemic inflammation.

Leading a sedentary life. In a study published in PLOS ONE researchers found that sedentary behavior was associated with inflammatory markers even when other causes, such as smoking, were factored in. What’s more, people who didn’t engage in regular periods of moderate or vigorous activity in between sedentary times had even higher levels of inflammatory markers.

Smothering the Fire For a long time, researchers have been trying to develop pharmaceutical drugs to combat inflammatory enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase, or 5-LOX. This proinflammatory substance has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular disease, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Yet, scientists have only developed one drug that inhibits 5-LOX, and it has some nasty side effects, including liver toxicity, increased aggression, and thoughts of suicide. Cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 are also important enzymes that are involved in the inflammatory process. Currently, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common drugs that work on COX enzymes. However, they may damage the intestinal tract or increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke, especially when used long-term. This makes them particularly poor options when dealing with chronic inflammation. However, natural medicine may inhibit chronic inflammation without these nasty side effects. The best botanical to inhibit 5-LOX is boswellia, which is derived from a resin of the boswellia tree. You might be familiar with boswellia by another name—frankincense, one of the gifts of the Magi. Boswellia has been used in India for centuries as a traditional medicine for a variety of complaints. The implications for treating inflammatory diseases with boswellia may be vast, and scientific studies are very promising. In a 2015 study of an experimental cellular model of intestinal inflammation, Italian researchers found that boswellia—and even more so, it’s most active boswellic acid, Acetyl-11-ketoß-boswellic acid (AKBA)—was able to preserve intestinal barrier integrity and function against chronic inflammatory stimuli without damaging cells. Clinical studies evaluating boswellia are just beginning but show very promising results. One study in the journal Cancer investigated its effects in treating brain tumors. Inflammation is often a contributing factor in brain cancer mortality, where swelling puts extra pressure on the brain because of limited room in the skull. In the double-blind clinical study, 44 patients with brain tumors received boswellia or a placebo while undergoing radiation therapy.

At the end of therapy, those in the boswellia group showed a significant reduction in edema (brain swelling) as measured by MRI compared to those in the placebo group. In fact, 60 percent of patients in the boswellia group had a 25 percent decrease in edema from baseline (or no edema at all) while only 26 percent of patients in the placebo group decreased to this level. In addition, the tumor volume in the boswellia group decreased by an impressive 88 percent compared to only 19 percent in the placebo group. One botanical you might not be as familiar with is devil’s claw. The ability of devil’s claw to decrease inflammation and pain make it a solid alternative to typical overthe-counter drugs. This plant, which is native to southern Africa and named for its spiny fruit, has become a popular treatment for arthritis and back pain. Scientific studies evaluating its inflammatory action have found that it inhibits inflammatory compounds in the body, including COX-1 and COX-2. Inhibiting COX-2 is central to relieving joint pain. A German study evaluated patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis who used devil’s claw extract for 12 weeks. The results were significant, with doctors noting an overall general improvement of 45 percent. Specifically, painful areas when touched improved by 46 percent, mobility improved by 35 percent, and swelling was reduced by 58 percent. Reining in Inflammation Inflammation has its role to play in keeping our bodies healthy. The trouble comes when it gets out of hand. But you can keep it in check by following some common sense guidelines: If you’re overweight, lose weight. Eat food that’s closer to nature—fruits and vegetables (organic is best), grass-fed beef—and avoid excessive amounts of sugar, white flour, and processed foods. Exercise regularly. Choose natural options when you can, like for cleaning and lawn care. Finally, learn about and use natural alternatives to fight chronic inflammation. By making sensible choices, you can avoid chronic inflammation and the devastating health conditions that develop from it. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, is a board certified internist and an expert in chronic pain. He is the author of numerous books and booklets, the most recent being the Better Nutrition Healthy Living Guide, Conquer Chronic Pain. 11

An Interview with

DR. AJAY GOEL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEWART COHEN

Cancer, curcumin, and the power of the patient

Dr. Ajay Goel is recognized as a top researcher in colon cancer and the science of curcumin. In this wideranging interview, we learn more about this enthusiastic advocate of natural medicine and his work in cancer prevention. His insight into cancer research and his opinions on patient education can help us all feel a little more empowered.

IL: How did you first develop an

IL: What’s the most surprising

interest in science and medicine?

thing you’ve learned since you started researching epigenetics?

My father told me, even when I was six or eight, that while other kids were reading comic books, I would pick up some sort of science or biology book. I probably didn’t understand much of it, but somehow it fascinated me. I have to give a lot of credit to my teachers who told me I was quite good at grasping basic concepts of science, but I didn’t really believe them. They continued to remind me, to encourage me: I should pay more attention, I should focus a little bit more. They created a lasting impression on my career. DR. GOEL:

IL: What made you decide to focus

on colon cancer?

When I worked at the University of California-San Diego, I worked with Rick Boland, who is probably one of the top gastroenterologists anywhere. He let me have free rein in my research, and so I focused on cancer prevention and epigenetics. DR. GOEL:

IL: Can you give readers a good lay

explanation of epigenetics?

While genes are our “genetics,” the behavior or expression of genes is controlled by “epigenetics.” In other words, how genes are expressed is dictated by our diets and lifestyles— that’s gene behavior, that’s epigenetics. Unlike genetics, the epigenetic behavior of our genes is intimately linked with what we do at every moment: what we eat, what we drink, and our habits like smoking or being sedentary. DR. GOEL:

IL: Is epigenetics relevant to other

diseases besides cancer?

It’s relevant to every single disease, every single behavior in our life. A good example is identical twins. They’re born with identical DNA, but as they grow older, they behave differently, they talk differently, they develop different habits, and they get different diseases. Their genes are behaving differently because they’re making different choices every single day. DR. GOEL:

I think a lot of people believe that if a disease runs in their family, it means that they will get that disease too. That’s simply not true. Genetics is not your destiny. You can overcome your genetics by making the right choices. We have complete control over our lives. DR. GOEL:

IL: What are our biggest challenges

regarding cancer treatment?

Education. Physicians and oncologists who practice modern medicine—they still do not completely recognize the benefits or the safe nature of natural medicine. That’s a big, big challenge. But it’s just a gap in communication. In a way, I believe that patients act as a communication channel between researchers and oncologists. Patients are the ones affected with the disease and it is DR. GOEL:

parts of the world. India has one of the lowest incidences and deaths from cancer compared to the U.S. and many European countries. But genetically, we are very similar. A presumably significant reason for this health disparity is our diets. When you look at Indian food, every meal is yellow in color. And that’s what stood out to me. Every single Indian meal is full of curry powder. Sometimes people eat it at every meal. So I thought that maybe turmeric afforded them protection. I looked at the literature and there are thousands of years’ worth of data on curcumin or turmeric’s medicinal use. It is a very strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. Cancer is essentially caused by chronic inflammation. If you can control inflammation, you can cure cancer. I began to look at curcumin systematically, and have found that it does help with cancer. IL: Can you tell us any success

stories of people using botanicals?

I get emails and phone calls all the time. When people contact me, I always tell them I cannot interfere with their medical care. But I’m always happy to send scientific articles to share with their oncologists. Most of these people will then give it a try, whether with the oncologist’s agreement or on their own. Then they’ll come back four or six months later saying that their cancer was down-staged and their oncologist is baffled. I have hundreds of stories of people who have benefited from curcumin —either as a standalone or, many times, along with their chemotherapy. I’ve yet to have anyone tell me that curcumin made their cancer more aggressive or made it progress further. DR. GOEL:

“

The behavior of our genes is intimately linked with what we do at every moment.

”

in their better interest to do their research on some of these well-studied botanicals, and try out these alternative treatments, preferably under the guidance and consent of their doctors. And I think the more we communicate, the more we’re all going to be on the same page—and we’re probably going to help a lot more people suffering from cancer and other diseases. IL: What first drew you to using

curcumin as a cancer preventative/ treatment?

There’s a clear spectrum of cancer incidences and deaths in different DR. GOEL:

IL: Do you have any advice for

people to get their oncologists to be more open about trying alternative treatments?

I think, like most of us, oncologists are just very busy. They are so busy with their patients, that it is hard for them to keep up to date with all the new, growing literature on natural medicine. So as a patient, you may have DR. GOEL:

Dr. Ajay Goel with his team at the Baylor GI Research Center.

to make an extra effort and share some of that research with your oncologist if you feel inclined in using natural medicines. My experience has been that in the majority of instances when the oncologists have the opportunity to read scientific literature on natural medicine, they often agree for their patients to try a well-studied herb like curcumin. They see that there’s enough science behind it and it looks safe and non-interacting with other treatments. That puts the patient in the driver’s seat. Then the patient starts feeling better and the tests say that the tumor is not progressing or it’s shrinking. IL: Tell us about the work you’re

doing now.

Much of the work I do now is on cancer, mostly gastrointestinal: colon, gastric, pancreas, rectal, and so forth. We study how epigenetics is linked to cancer—diet, botanicals, and lifestyle. We are focused mainly on the two types of prevention. One is DR. GOEL:

primary prevention: not getting cancer to begin with. But many people die of cancer because it’s often diagnosed late. That’s secondary prevention. Can we do something to find cancers early on in healthy people? We are working on a project to hopefully develop a clinically valid blood test to find colon cancers 5, 10, even 15 years earlier. Our goal is to develop a blood-based colon cancer screening test that can serve as a prelude to conventional colonoscopy, one that is simple and affordable and can be easily done in blood, potentially as part of the annual physical examination. The hope is that as long as this test remains negative, it will eliminate the need for screening colonoscopies to find cancer. However, once the test becomes positive, it will alert the patient to go see his or her gastroenterologist for a complete colonoscopic examination and appropriate treatment. A blood-based test on an annual basis will tell if a person has colon cancer, or is brewing colon cancer, or will develop pancreatic

cancer so we can treat it or remove it long before it threatens a life. IL: What gives you the most hope

for the future of cancer prevention and treatment?

My hope is multi-faceted. One is we are getting so much better in screening patients, we are finding cancers early on, we are developing somewhat better treatments. At the same time, patients have become educated and aren’t so quick to believe that cancer is going to kill them. They’re taking charge of their lives. DR. GOEL:

I do not see that we will—any time soon—develop some magical pill that is going to cure cancer. But I see that natural medicine is getting a lot more attention because of all the science behind it. Along with early detection and patient awareness of the choices they have, we are going to save a lot more lives going forward.

Curcumin The Herbal Cure-All

For centuries, practitioners of

Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine have relied on turmeric for its wide range of health benefits. Today, more than 8,000 studies point to curcumin, the compound in turmeric responsible for its distinctive yellow hue, as the power behind the herb. Research shows that curcumin is a potent antioxidant that supports the body’s inflammatory response. It also helps to foster healthy heart, liver, lung, and kidney function, as well as a strong immune system and normal cell proliferation. You could say that curcumin is the all-in-one solution for good health. Research has linked curcumin to a lower risk of: • Arthritis • Alzheimer’s disease • Cancer • Cardiovascular disease • Depression • Diabetes • Irritable bowel syndrome • Obesity • Psoriasis • Wound healing

ABSORPTION DISTORTION

For all its benefits, curcumin isn’t readily absorbed by the body, which limits its effectiveness. In fact, much of the curcumin we ingest is simply excreted out of the body before it can do any good. What does remain is transformed into less potent metabolites in the digestive tract. To solve this problem, researchers have combined curcumin with black pepper—a strategy that has met with limited success. Other formulations rely on water-dispersible nanoparticles or the addition of soy lecithin to improve bioavailability. But one form that has proven higher absorption

is BCM-95 curcumin. By grinding curcumin to very fine particles, then blending it with turmeric essential oil, BCM-95 yields a more potent supplement. This was clearly shown in a pilot crossover study that appeared in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. When compared to standard curcumin, BCM-95 was up to 10 times more bioavailable. What’s more, therapeutic levels of BCM-95 stayed in the blood much longer.

WHY CURCUMIN WORKS

In the most basic ways, curcumin works for two reasons. It halts inflammation and it stops oxidation. A growing body of research has tied chronic low-level inflammation to a number of diseases—from diabetes and heart disease to arthritis and Alzheimer’s. Unlike synthetic drugs, which typically work on a single inflammatory pathway, curcumin reduces inflammation through multiple inflammation targets. Curcumin is also a potent antioxidant, able to neutralize unstable free radicals that can oxidize and lead to cell damage. The dual properties of curcumin as both anti-inflammatory and super antioxidant may also explain why it has no side effects.

Cancer

Our bodies have a natural ability to fight cancer through the activity of tumor-suppressing genes. However, aging and environmental factors can turn off or silence these genes, allowing the cancer to grow and spread unchecked. Researchers have now found that one of the ways curcumin fights cancer is by re-awakening these “sleeping genes,” and turning them back on to stop cancer. Curcumin has been shown to prevent cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, meaning that it stops the changes that cause normal cells to become cancerous, stops the replication of cancerous cells (tumor formation),

and stops cancerous cells from migrating to other parts of the body (known as metastasis). Curcumin has also been shown to increase the activity of cancer drugs and decrease drug resistance in cancer cells. Additionally, it protects normal cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not entirely known. However, certain characteristic changes are found in the brains of people with this condition— accumulated clusters of a protein called beta-amyloid and clumps of dead and dying nerve and brain cells. These clusters and clumps, called plaques and tangles, are believed to interfere with the proper transmission of messages between brain cells and the death of the cells themselves. Inflammation is also believed to be involved, causing

the accumulation of plaques and tangles to have even more damaging effects. Because of the known antiinflammatory effects of curcumin, researchers are now looking at its effects in treating AD. Not only does curcumin protect brain cells from damaging inflammation, in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease, curcumin was able to reduce betaamyloid levels and shrink the size of accumulated plaques by over 30 percent. In fact, curcumin has been shown to be more effective in inhibiting the formation of beta-amyloid protein fragments than many drugs being tested as Alzheimer’s treatments.

Depression

Depression is a debilitating and difficult-to-treat disease. Yet curcumin reverses the physical 17

Curcumin vs. Turmeric Let’s clear up a common misconception: Curcumin and turmeric are not the same thing. Just as oranges are a source of vitamin C, turmeric is a source of curcumin. Turmeric is derived from the rhizomes (underground stems) of the plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. It is responsible for the yellow color of Indian curry and American mustard. Curcumin, which has powerful antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, is the most active constituent of turmeric. A typical turmeric root contains a mere 2 to 5 percent curcumin, so taking an unstandardized powdered turmeric root product means that very large amounts would be required to get a beneficial amount of curcumin. While turmeric is excellent when used as a spice, a bioavailable curcumin extract is a better choice for health benefits.

Curcumin is from turmeric, but it is not the same as turmeric. 18

effects of stress and depression. It reduces inflammatory markers in the bloodstream, which travel to the brain, and it prevents low levels of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. Additionally, laboratory research shows that curcumin promotes the process of brain cell formation known as neurogenesis. How does that translate to humans? In a published study that compared a special, highly absorbable curcumin to two popular antidepressants, the curcumin was found to be just as effective as the two drugs—but without the adverse side effects common with the pharmaceuticals. Another clinical study of people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) found that highabsorption curcumin worked just as well as the prescription drug fluoxetine in people with MDD. And this was the first human clinical trial showing that curcumin was not only effective, but safe.

Heart Disease

In an experimental model of heart disease, curcumin was compared to the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin. The researchers found that curcumin protected against the effects of a high-cholesterol diet just as effectively as lovastatin, preventing the inflammatory changes that lead to plaque buildup and increasing

protective HDL cholesterol levels. In fact, volunteers receiving 500 mg of curcumin daily in a small clinical trial experienced a 29 percent increase in their HDL levels. Curcumin has also been found to lower serum triglycerides by 27 percent. Plus, the compound’s anti-inflammatory action shows promise for those with atherosclerosis.

Arthritis

The hallmarks of osteoarthritis are cartilage destruction and inflammation. An interesting property of curcumin is that it is able to protect chondrocytes— specialized cells found in joint cartilage—from being broken down by inflammatory compounds in the body. In fact, in a recent clinical study that looked at using either a combination of highly absorbable curcumin (BCM-95) and boswellia or the prescription drug celecoxib in patients with arthritis, 93 percent of the participants receiving the herbal combination reported reduced or no pain, compared to only 86 percent of the prescription drug group. What’s more, the group receiving the curcumin-boswellia combination were also able to walk farther, experienced less pain, and had better range of movement, all without significant adverse effects.

Diabetes

While diabetes is a disorder of blood sugar metabolism, inflammation plays a very strong role in its development and progression. In fact, some researchers now believe that chronic, low-level inflammation—especially when associated with obesity—is actually the cause of insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes. In an experimental model of diabetes, curcumin was compared to the drug rosiglitazone and found to be equally effective in reducing insulin resistance, inflammatory markers, and fats in the bloodstream. Other research suggests that curcumin can decrease glucose levels in as little as two weeks, effectively lowering HbA1c levels. Additionally, scientific studies have found that curcumin may protect against problems associated with

diabetes, such as the breakdown of eye tissue, potential brain damage, nerve pain (neuropathy), and heart disease.

Obesity

Obesity is closely related to diabetes, and in many cases occurs at the same time. The pairing of these two diseases is so common as to earn it the name “diabesity.” That’s because as you become insulin resistant, instead of sugar being burned, it is converted into stored body fat. However, there is evidence that curcumin can help your body regulate blood sugar levels, burn fat more efficiently for energy, and stop new fat cells from expanding or even forming in the first place. The growth and expansion of fat cells occurs much the same way as tumor cell growth—through angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that “feed” fat cells. Ideally, you need to stop the expansion of fat cells. However, research has shown that even in those on a high-calorie diet, curcumin interrupted the process of fat growth. In a laboratory study of animals fed a high-fat diet, curcumin supplementation prevented the increase of adipose (fat) tissue as well as fat deposits in the liver. One potential explanation for this is that curcumin moderates the inflammation that would normally be caused by a high-fat diet. This, in turn, prevents the creation of fat cells. Curcumin also appears to increase levels of adiponectin. This protein normally circulates throughout the body, but is lower in obese versus lean body types. Aside from keeping lean bodies lean, adiponectin is also important for regulating blood sugar levels and insulin metabolism. In fact, boosting levels of adiponectin is considered a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes on its own. But although adiponectin acts as an anti-inflammatory protein, high inflammation reduces its levels in the body, essentially using it up and virtually eliminating any protective effect it would have against weight gain or insulin resistance. This is another

reason why curcumin shows so much promise—it helps the body protect itself and appears to work synergistically with existing natural chemistry.

Gastrointestinal Inflammation

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is associated with several commonly experienced diseases—particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Crohn’s disease. Bloating, frequent diarrhea or constipation, gas, abdominal pain, even heartburn and acid reflux, can all be signs that unchecked inflammation is undermining the proper function of your digestive system. A study including more than 200 people with IBS found that the use of a standardized extract of curcumin was associated with a 25 percent reduction in abdominal pain. Plus two-thirds of the participants reported an overall improvement in their other symptoms. In a small pilot study of patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative proctitis (a type of IBD) who received curcumin along with standard anti-inflammatory drugs, many were able to reduce or stop the medications. Inflammation markers also decreased to within normal limits. One of the interesting benefits of curcumin is that it not only reduces inflammatory compounds in the intestines, it can actually strengthen the intestinal wall to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream—a condition known as leaky gut syndrome.

Wound Healing and Skin Conditions

Curcumin not only protects the skin with its ability to quench damaging free radicals and reduce inflammation, it has also been shown to improve collagen deposition and vascular density in wounds. Collagen is the foundation upon which healthy skin is built; vascular density is what ensures adequate blood flow to carry in the nutrients needed for repair of damaged tissue.

NO TOXICITY ISSUES HAVE BEEN REPORTED FROM THE USE OF CURCUMIN.

Because diabetes reduces blood flow, many with the disease find that wounds heal slowly, if at all. High blood sugar also interferes with the ability of the body to clear away damaged cells and build new skin cells. In an experimental model of diabetes, both oral and topical curcumin were able to speed wound repair and healing. Radiation treatment for cancer can also cause significant damage to skin and delay healing. Pretreatment with curcumin has been shown in multiple studies to speed skin repair and healing. Preliminary research also suggests that curcumin may help to reduce inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as skin cancer.

THE MOST POWERFUL—AND SAFE—NATURAL MEDICINE AVAILABLE

In addition to all of these attributes, curcumin has shown promise in treating many other diseases and conditions, including kidney and liver disease, eye disorders, lung conditions, allergies, and pancreatitis. There is a lot of exciting research using curcumin for each of these health concerns. It’s likely that, in the future, we’ll see even further advances. 19

PER

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HEART DISEASE & CANCER: Stopping Our Greatest Killers with Grape Seed Extract

How grape seed can keep you from becoming another statistic by Gaetano Morello, BSc, ND

o one wants to hear a diagnosis of heart disease or cancer—for good reason. According to the CDC, these two conditions kill more Americans than the next eight leading causes of death combined. Heart disease and cancer kill over one million Americans each year. The question is how do you keep from becoming one of those statistics? Grape seed extract just might be your answer. This byproduct of the wine industry is a powerhouse of antioxidant flavonoids, specifically oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). OPCs are a group of complexes found in several foods, including grapes, blueberries, and wines that have wideranging health benefits. But they are especially notable for their effects on cardiovascular and cellular health. As a free radical scavenger, grape seed extract is more potent than the better-known antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. That’s what makes it so beneficial for cardiovascular health. Grape seed extract has been touted for its ability to reduce blood pressure, LDL cholesterol oxidation, and platelet aggregation—a condition where the platelets involved in clotting stick together in blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockages. Grape seed extract also maintains the integrity of the endothelium, the layer of cells that line blood vessels. This layer is exceedingly

thin—made up of just a single layer of cells—so it can be damaged easily. Recently, the benefits of grape seed extract were shown in a clinical trial where researchers measured the effects of grape seed extract in healthy women who remained sitting for six hours. Prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and death—even among people who exercise frequently. On the day the women were given one 400 mg dose of grape seed extract, the swelling in their legs was reduced by 69 percent compared to the day they were given a placebo. In the realm of cancer research, the interest in grape seed extract has been heating up. One recent study out of the University of Colorado found that grape seed extract was especially effective against advanced forms of colorectal cancer. In the study, grape seed extract was tested against colon cancer cell lines that were at different clinical stages of development (stages II – IV). The researchers found that the more advanced the cancer, the better the grape seed extract worked. The researchers reasoned that grape seed extract exhibited such profound results because it targets multiple pathways of cancer mutations. The benefits of grape seed extract were also evaluated in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL)

cohort study, which appeared in the journal Cancer Epidemiolog y Biomarkers, and Prevention. Researchers surveyed over 66,000 patients about their use of grape seed extract over a ten-year period. Then they looked at the incidence of blood cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma or leukemia over a six- to eight-year follow up. Those who used grape seed extract had a 43 percent reduction in risk compared to those who didn’t. But as research continues, one of the lessons we’re learning is that not all grape seed extract supplements produce results. The best effects have been found with low-molecular weight grape seed extracts. The large OPC molecules—often called tannins—that are frequently found in cheap products are too big to be absorbed. Bottom line? When it comes to an effective grape seed extract, quality trumps price. And like fine wine, the best grape seed extracts come from France. Adding a French grape seed extract that is tannin-free with low-molecular weight OPCs can help protect you from the greatest killers

of our time. There’s no easier way to prevent becoming another statistic. Gaetano Morello, BSc, ND is a licensed naturopathic physician practicing in West Vancouver, British Columbia. He is a clinician at the newly formed Complex Chronic Diseases Program at BC Women’s Hospital in Vancouver, making him the first Naturopathic Doctor working at a leading North American Hospital. Dr. Gaetano is the author of Whole Body Cleansing and Cleanse: Ultimate Inside-Out Approach, as well as a contributing author to A Textbook of Natural Medicine and a member of the Quality Assurance Committee for the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.

Grape Seed Extract: A Cluster of Benefits Grape seed extract shows great promise in the fight against heart disease and cancer, but those aren’t the only conditions that might benefit from this natural medicine. diabetes cholesterol night vision swelling antioxidant pain anti-aging asthma high blood pressure stroke

hemorrhoids bacterial infections viral infections varicose veins Alzheimer’s disease metabolic syndrome gum disease sleep deprivation macular degeneration 21

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EuroMedicaUSA.com | 866.842.7256 | info@euromedicausa.com 22BCM-95® is a registered trademark of Dolcas-Biotech, LLC.

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

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Bothered by Your Bladder? Herbal help for urinary incontinence by Perla Björk Egilsdóttir

Ever since I had my children, I’ve had a problem with leaking when I laugh or cough. It’s getting worse as I grow older. And I have to go to the bathroom—a lot. What can I do to stem the flow?

A: Do you know where all the public

restrooms are in your town? Do you wear sanitary pads even though you went through menopause years ago? Do you cringe at a joke, not because it’s bad, but because you think you might have leaked a little when you laughed? If you answered a sheepish “yes” to one or more of these questions, you’re not alone. Millions of women suffer silently with urinary incontinence. In fact, experts estimate at least half of women over the age of 50 experience some form of urinary leakage. Unfortunately, urinary incontinence is a subject that’s so difficult to talk about that most women who suffer from it don’t even discuss it with their doctors. The most common form of urinary incontinence is stress incontinence. If you suffer from it, you know that simply laughing, sneezing, or exercising can put enough pressure on the bladder to cause it to leak urine. Another common form of urinary incontinence is urge incontinence or “overactive bladder.” Women who suffer from overactive bladder will sometimes 24

feel an overwhelming urge to urinate, which can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom, embarrassing accidents, and bed-wetting. Whatever its manifestation, urinary incontinence can be life altering. Going out in public includes a desperate search for a restroom. Travel becomes a nightmare. Sleep is often disturbed by multiple trips to the bathroom. These consequences can make women less confident, active, and social. Turning to conventional medicine has its own risks. Prescribed medications often don’t work very well. A woman may have to try three different medications to find one that provides even a bit of improvement. Plus, the medications can have significant side effects, from dry eyes to cognitive impairment.

Angelica works for men, too. In a published clinical study, men with reduced bladder capacity found that Angelica extract significantly improved their ability to hold urine. In fact, for patients taking angelica, the first sleep improved three times more than for those taking placebo in a subgroup of oldest patients, and for those patients with the most frequent bathroom visits at night, the nocturnal awakenings for urination were reduced by 50 percent. What makes this good news for women is that the results were due to improved bladder strength, a benefit that’s not related to gender. Additionally, the angelica extract was very well tolerated and with no unwanted side effects like increased blood pressure. That’s a definite improvement compared to many prescription drugs.

Luckily, many women are finding that Icelandic angelica (Angelica archangelica)—an herbal remedy that’s been used for hundreds of years— provides better results than any prescription drug. Researchers believe that, because of the harsh growing conditions in Iceland, the herb’s beneficial compounds become highly concentrated. This may play a role in angelica’s effectiveness. Angelica contains several active compounds, chief among them isoquercitrin. This flavonoid can inhibit the activity of inflammatory molecules, called leukotrienes, that trigger excessive bladder contractions. The results are less urinary urgency and greater bladder capacity.

Urinary incontinence is embarrassing for any woman, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love. Icelandic angelica is a safe, natural remedy that can give you peace of mind. With angelica extract, you can stop focusing on the nearest bathroom and start focusing on life. Perla Björk Egilsdóttir is a biochemist and interned at the Science Institute of the University of Iceland. Her background in biochemistry proved useful during the clinical study of Angelica archangelica, during which time she co-authored a peerreviewed paper on the clinical study on bladder strength and capacity.

† Blood GSH/GSSG Ratio compared to unprotected glutathione *THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.

Soothe Away

Your Arthritis Pain

Stay active with comfrey by Mathias Schmidt, PhD When the weather outside turns frightful, it’s very tempting to just pull up the blankets and hibernate until spring. And while that’s not really an option, it doesn’t mean that we don’t change our habits to hide from the cold. For many of us that means more days spent indoors engaged in activities, like binge-watching Downton Abbey or college basketball, that keep us from getting the exercise we need. Unfortunately, our sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on our joints, especially as we grow older. That’s when we notice how hard it is to take those first few steps in the morning. We’re stiff and sore even though we didn’t do anything strenuous to account for our misery. Over 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. And even if you’re not one of the statistics, you may experience pain in your joints as you grow older. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that typically strikes those over 50. As we age, cartilage—the rubbery cushion where our joints meet—wears away and becomes stiff. This allows bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the joint. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, such as knees, hips, hands, and spine. Doctors will tell you that one of the most effective ways to fight arthritis is with regular exercise. But, since it hurts to move, many people find it easier to sit on the couch instead of hitting the gym. 26

And the pain relievers most doctors recommend have received a lot of bad press lately. Tylenol is responsible for most cases of acute liver failure. And nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprophen have been linked to an increased risk for heart attack. Where can you turn for relief? The answer is comfrey—a plant that people have used for centuries to treat wounds, heal broken bones, and relieve aches and pains of all sorts. I’ve seen the results of using comfrey cream for arthritis firsthand—with some people experiencing pain relief in as little as 15 minutes. But comfrey’s benefits have also been backed up with clinical trials. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Phytomedicine, 220 patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee applied a comfrey ointment three times a day over a three-week period. The patients in the comfrey group experienced a significant 55 percent reduction in pain. That’s a very compelling result. What’s more, improvement increased steadily throughout the course of the study and both patients and doctors rated

the comfrey ointment as significantly superior over the placebo ointment. Of course, safety is important with any therapeutic remedy. When looking for comfrey, it’s important to choose a clinically studied comfrey product that is free of toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These substances can damage the liver if consumed in large quantities. When you suffer from osteoarthritis, staying active is incredibly important, especially in winter when many of us experience extra pain and stiffness. Comfrey can help relieve those sore knees, hips, backs, and hands so we can maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle while keeping arthritis pain in check. Mathias Schmidt, PhD, specializes in the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicinal products and botanicals, particularly in the area of comfrey research. As a researcher and consultant, Dr. Schmidt has worked in the German pharmaceutical and herbal industry for over 20 years.

Research Roundup

It’s our goal here at Integrative Lifestyles to bring you the latest in cutting-edge research for a variety of common health issues. Because we believe that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to health—we are digging deeper into the exciting new research from leading medical journals and breaking it down to help you get the most from today’s science.

“Beehive Antibiotics” Fights Cold Sores

THE STUDY ABSTRACT:

Efficacy and tolerability of propolis special extract GH 2002 as a lip balm against herpes labialis: a randomized, doubleblind three-arm dose finding study. A dose-finding study was performed with respect to the clinical applicability and tolerability of three different concentrations of Propolis special extract GH 2002 in a lip balm (0.1%, 0.5% and 1%). The trial was designed as a doubleblind, randomized dermatological study in 150 outpatients with Herpes labialis. The primary parameter was the duration in days until painless incrustation in 50% or 90% of the patients (observable in 121 patients). Secondary parameters were local pain (assessed on a visual analogue scale), itching, burning and tension/ swelling on a verbal rating scale, and tolerability. Visits were performed on days 2/3, 5/6 and 8/9. Best efficacy results with shortest healing time (3.4 and 5.4 days in the 50th and 90th percentile, respectively; p = 0.008 vs. 1% and 0.09 vs. 0.1%) and good tolerability were observed with the 0.5% concentration. All three concentrations achieved highly significant therapeutic results in comparison with baseline values (p < 0.0005) for all secondary parameters as early as day 2/3. Analgesia was the most prominent effect for the patients. Conclusion: The 0.5 % concentration of Propolis special extract GH 2002 in a lip balm was found to have the best risk-benefit ratio for the treatment of Herpes labialis. Source: Holcová, S., Hladiková, M. Health. 2011;(3):49-55.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:

Cold sores and fever blisters are the bane of anyone with a stressful schedule, and they somehow always show up when they’re least desirable—before a wedding, dance, or family photo. This study found that a special extract of propolis—the “glue” that bees use to seal their hives can stop pain, itching, soreness, and duration of cold sores. One of the focuses of the study was to measure the time of cold sore formation until enscrustation, which is the beginning of the healing process for a cold sore. While pain, itching, and swelling were reduced within two to three days in each group, the researchers found that those in the group using a lip balm with 0.5 percent propolis extract—the mid-range level in the three-group study—had the best overall results. Because allergies can be a concern, the balm used a purified form of propolis, so any pollens, honey, beeswax, or other materials are carefully screened out. 28

Comfrey Heals Kids Fast

THE STUDY ABSTRACT:

Randomized double-blind study: wound-healing effects of a Symphytum herb extract cream (Symphytum×uplandicum Nyman) in children.

The wound healing effects of the topically applied preparation Traumaplant® containing a concentrate (10% active ingredient) from the aerial parts of medicinal comfrey (Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman) were examined in a randomized, controlled, clinical double-blind study. An otherwise identical low-dose preparation (1% active ingredient) was used as a control. The study population consisted of 108 children aged 3-12 years (n=54/group) with fresh abrasions. A 50% healing rate was reached 0.9 days earlier with the higher than with the lower concentration cream. The difference in the healing rate (0.38±0.18/day [95% CI 0.33-0.4] vs. 0.26±0.14/day [95% CI 0.222-0.297]) was statistically significant (p=0.0002). Physicians and children/parents both rated the efficacy of the 10% cream as significantly better than that of the control preparation (physicians’ assessment after 2-3 and 7-9 days for verum vs. control: 90.7 and 92.6% vs. 55.6 and 74.0% of the healing rates were rated as “good” or “very good”, respectively; p=0.0004 and 0.01). In subgroup analyses, there was no significant influence on the healing rate of the time elapsed between the accident and the first consultation, the wound surface, the affected body part, the origin of the injury and gender. There were no reported adverse effects or problems with tolerability such as local skin irritations. The results justify application of the

Boswellia Can Stop Colitis Damage and Pain

THE STUDY ABSTRACT: Comfrey, cont. Symphytum herb extract cream in children with blunt traumata with or without abrasions. Source: Barna M, Kucera A, Hladíkova M, Kucera M. Arzneimittel-Forschung. 2012 Jun;62(6):285-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1308981. Epub 2012 Apr 27.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:

If you’re a parent, you know that children can find all kinds of ways to get scrapes and bruises. This study shows that nature has a way of helping them heal safely and quickly. In this study, children aged 3 to 12 years with what the study termed as “fresh abrasions” used a topical cream with either 10 percent of the active comfrey ingredient, or a placebo with just 1 percent. The 10 percent active topical cream showed a healing rate for the children that was considered “good” or “very good” at in at least 90 percent of the cases. The placebo was much further behind, topping off at a 74 percent healing rate. Comfrey was used as a healing plant for generations until it was discovered that many of the cultivars and wild varieties contained a liver toxin known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These toxins are naturally occurring plant chemicals typically found in the root of the plant. Fortunately, the researchers in this study developed a comfrey cultivar that is free of PAs and that only uses the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant for the topical cream. The fact that this specific variety is safe and effective gives parents another way to heal the all-too-common bumps and bruises that are part of any active childhood.

Boswellia serrata has beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in a model of experimental colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that involves only the colon and rectum, being characterized by leukocyte infiltrate and superficial ulcers in the intestinal mucosa. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of extract from the Boswellia serrata plant in an experimental rat model of acute ulcerative colitis induced by the administration of acetic acid (AA). An extract of B. serrata (34.2 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 2 days before and after the induction of colitis with 4 mL of 4% AA. The anal sphincter pressure in the colitis group showed a significant decrease compared to that of the control groups (p < 0.001). The analysis of the values of lipid peroxidation (LPO) obtained by substances that react with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) showed a significantly increased LPO in the colitis group compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). The nitric oxide levels and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) showed a significant increase in the colitis group compared to control groups (p < 0.01). Both pretreatment and treatment with B. serrata exhibited significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and iNOS and showed improvements in tissue injury and anal sphincter pressure in animals with ulcerative colitis. The B. serrata extract has protective antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects that inhibit inflammatory mediators in acute experimental colitis. Source: Hartmann RM, Fillmann HS, Martins MI, Meurer L, Marroni NP. Phytother Res. 2014 Sep;28(9):1392-8.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:

Ulcerative colitis affects 700,000 American men and women, typically individuals in their mid-30s. This autoimmune disease—a case of the body turning against itself—mistakes food, beneficial bacteria, and other normal materials in the large intestine as potential invaders. It can be extremely challenging to treat with conventional medications. That’s because the corticosteroids often recommended can actually make symptoms worse if dosage levels are not properly “drawn down.” Additionally, they have limited effectiveness and often come with a barrage of side effects. This Brazilian study found that Boswellia serrata—an Ayurvedic herb historically prescribed as an anti-inflammatory—reduced inflammatory markers in the colon and rectum compared to untreated control groups. Boswellia also improved injured tissue (damage due to inflammation and oxidative damage in the model of ulcerative colitis). One of the reasons boswellia is especially suited to the task is that it is a specific inhibitor of the very leukocyte activity that causes the symptoms of colitis. And this trait of boswellia is a rarity in the herbal world, even among other anti-inflammatories. If boswellia can help relieve the symptoms of (and prevent further) ulcerative colitis, then it could be a real treatment breakthrough for people who otherwise feel trapped by their symptoms. Not all boswellia extracts are identical, however. It is important to find one that has a naturally high level of AKBA (acetyl-11keto-B-boswellic acids), a key anti-inflammatory compound, and low levels of beta-boswellic acid, a pro-inflammatory compound. 29

EuroMedicaUSA.com | 866.842.7256 | info@euromedicausa.com

32 † Occasional muscle pain due to exercise or overuse. *THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.